My parents cat had kittens a few months ago and i let my children choose one each, as they both adore animals.  They each named their kitten, my daughters is CAT and my sons is TIGER, not very original, but an achievement of their own.  I have given my eldest, 6 the responsibility of ensuring their water, food and milk bowl is full, which she is loving and doesnt even see it as a chore.  It is amazing how gentle and caring children are with small animals when taught correctly.  It also gives them a companion and a sense of real ownership, you see how proud they are when a visitor comes and they introduce their pet, and tell the visitor they named the cat all by themselves.  I just love seeing my chldren happy and full of smiles it is the best, makes you feel like the effort you put into raising them is paying off.